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Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport is the largest commercial airport in the world, and many people are interested in what the new chief executive officer has planned for its future. CEO Sean Donohue gave a little insight on his plans Wednesday morning in Fort Worth.
(Published Wednesday, Jun 4, 2014)

Updated at 2:25 PM CST on Wednesday, Jun 4, 2014

Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport is the largest commercial airport in the world, and many people are interested in what the new chief executive officer has planned for its future.

CEO Sean Donohue gave a little insight on his plans Wednesday morning in Fort Worth.

Donohue spoke to members of the Tarrant Regional Transportation Coalition.

He focused on three key issues he wants see happen at the airport.

The first is seeing more international flights come to DFW airport.

“Why is this international service so important?” said Donohue. “Those routes, Dubai to DFW, Sydney to DFW, those routes alone are worth $200 million in economic value to the region.”

He said American Airlines will be offering non-stop flights to China for the first time starting next week.

Next, Donohue wants a smoother transition for passengers when they come through customs and border patrol.

He said they have already added self-service kiosks for customers, which he said has cut wait times from an hour to 15 minutes.

Donohue said by the end of the month they plan for customers, who have carry-ons only, to use those self-service kiosks and avoid dealing with anyone at customs at all.

Finally, he wants to improve customer experience at the airport.

Donohue says even though they have always been ranked as one of the best airports in the country, he wants DFW Airport to be one of the best in the world.

"We are truly going to rate ourselves against the world class airports that the customers that fly into DFW experience,” said Donohue.

Donohue said one way to get to that bench mark is by making structural improvements at the airport. He says they are currently improving three of its terminals.

DFW Airport is huge for the local economy. It brings in $31 billion each year.